Written by Michelle Snyder '09, executive director of Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute, and brought to you by the Continuing Education Office at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Scripture
Jeremiah 9:23-24
23 Thus says the LORD: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; 24 but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the LORD; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the LORD.
Devotional
“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom, the strong boast of their strength, or the rich boast of their riches." These words from Jeremiah echo down through the ages, for who among us has not succumbed to these, from time to time, for the sake of maintaining the illusion—even to ourselves—that we are in control and safe in the world? Our society frowns on boasting outright.
But the cars we drive, the words we use, and the numbers that we allow to define us all point to this alluring trap that Jeremiah cautions us to avoid. All of us have trusted in such fleeting things that inevitably let us down, leaving us with the raw truth that our safety and security rest in God and God alone. In this Lenten Season, how might you let go of these illusions and place your trust in whom it belongs?
Prayer
Holy One, I am tempted to find my sense of safety in the things of this world: education, privilege, money. Teach me instead to entrust my lot to you. Amen.